Computational Aerothermodynamic Design Issues for Hypersonic Vehicles

The current status of computational aerothermodynamics is discussed, with emphasis on its capabilities and limitations for contributions to the design process of hypersonic vehicles. Some topics to be highlighted include 1) aerodynamic coefficient predictions with emphasis on high-temperature gas effects; 2) surface heating and temperature predictions for thermal protection system design in a high-temperature, thermochemical nonequilibrium environment; 3) methods for extracting and extending computational fluid dynamic solutions for efficient utilization by all members of a multidisciplinary design team; 4) physical models; 5) validation process and error estimation; and 6) gridding and solution generation strategies. Recent experiences in the design of the X-33 will be featured. Computational aerothermodynamic contributions to problems in planetary entry, including the Mars Pathfinder and Stardust (Comet Sample return), will also provide a context for this discussion. Some of the barriers that currently limit computational aerothermodynamics to a predominantly reactive mode in the design process will also be discussed, with the goal of providing focus for future research.